Taliban reportedly not allowing flights carrying American citizens and green card holders to leave Afghanistan;

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A State Department email viewed by CBS News said that the flights out of Afghanistan have permission to land in Qatar “if and when the Taliban agrees to takeoff.”

“The group Ascend, an NGO that teaches young women leadership through athletics, told CBS News they have two planes that have been waiting for six days ready to take between 600 and 1200 people — including 19 American citizens and two permanent residents,” the report added. “The planes are not currently loaded. The passengers are being held nearby, because the Taliban won’t let them into the airport, according to a senior congressional source.”

New: CBS has learned multiple flights are being held on the ground at the Mazar-i-Sharif airport in Northern Afghanistan… by the Taliban. 1/
— Ruffini (@EenaRuffini) September 5, 2021

An email from the State Department to members of congress — and viewed by CBS — acknowledged that charter flights are still on the ground at the Mazar-i-Sharif airstrip and have permission to land in Doha "if and when the Taliban agrees to takeoff. 2/
— Ruffini (@EenaRuffini) September 5, 2021

“You’re saying that there are Americans on airplanes ready to fly out of Afghanistan right now, and they’re not being allowed out because Taliban is making demands?” Wallace pressed. “What demands are the Taliban making?”

SOURCE: DW